Recommendation? Best way to soak off this corrosion?

[ErikMB]

I just received these two fix-me-ups and pried off the scales. They need a lot of de-griming. I am wondering people's favorite soaks. WD40? Terpentine? Gasoline?

Once it's loosened, I'll scrub it off, but I need a good soak, first.

These are old Robeson knives.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I use an ultrasonic cleaner.
You could soak in mineral spirits or WD 40. A wire wheel, used gently, would be effective.

 

[ErikMB]

Thanks, Bill.

Those look awful, don't they?

They'll look a lot nicer when I'm done with them, though...